MSP | Leadership Training Program
Training programmes that focus on organisational leadership for leaders of NGO networks operating in humanitarian contexts are designed to strengthen not only individual skills but also the systems, cultures, and strategic capacities that enable networks of organisations to operate effectively. These programmes vary significantly in delivery method, with each modality offering distinct advantages depending on leaders’ operational realities.
Offline, face-to-face programmes—often delivered as multi-day workshops or residential courses—are particularly effective for organisational leadership development. These formats support intensive group work, real-time problem-solving using participants’ organisational challenges, and trust-building across networks. However, they require sustained time away from operations and higher financial investment, which can limit participation for smaller organisations or leaders in acute response settings.
Online programmes, by contrast, prioritise accessibility and flexibility, enabling leaders to engage alongside their ongoing responsibilities. These typically consist of self-paced modules or short facilitated virtual courses focused on core organisational leadership themes. While online delivery can be more flexible and cost less, these courses will not come with the same level of peer exchange and networking opportunities as in-person approaches. It may be wise to combine online-only trainings with participation in a peer-to-peer learning exchange platform or organisational twinning programme (see next two sections).
Hybrid models increasingly combine the strengths of both approaches, using online modules to build shared conceptual foundations and in-person intensive or live virtual workshops to deepen learning through action planning, peer exchange, and facilitated reflection for organisational leaders.
The scope and size of curricula also differ, shaping the depth of organisational impact. Short courses or workshops tend to focus on targeted leadership competencies and are well suited for leaders seeking immediate, practical tools. Medium-length programmes (spanning several weeks or months) offer a more holistic approach, covering organisational strategy, leadership identity, power and ethics, change management, and network leadership, often accompanied by coaching or peer-learning components. Longer certificate or diploma programmes provide the most comprehensive organisational leadership development but require funding and time commitments that may be beyond the feasibility horizon of most local NGOs.
PROS and CONS
Pros: A vast catalogue of high-quality courses developed by global experts; possibility of acquiring certification; options range from short courses to full curricula; many courses are self-paced so that staff can choose when to engage.
Cons: Online courses require access to a minimum level of connectivity and to proper IT equipment; courses are generally global in nature and not specifically designed for individual contexts; most courses are available only in English or in other European languages; few courses specifically focus on network management.
USER SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS
Relevance: Do the courses apply to the kind of leadership skills prioritised by the networks? Are they relevant to the operational and programmatic contexts at hand? Are they geared specifically toward non-profits or more tailored to business audiences?
Delivery method: Will the network leaders be able to access the courses? Is there flexibility in accessing the coursework? Can the programme accommodate travel schedules, languages, and multiple time commitments of network leaders?
Group vs. individual programmes: Does the training allow multiple leaders to take part in courses together? If so, are there opportunities for team-building and group work?
EXAMPLES
Global training platforms with free courses relevant to humanitarian non-profits and networks include Disaster Ready and KayaConnect though many more are available (see table in the Annex). There also exist regional e-learning platforms like Edraak in the Middle East that offer context-specific courses.
As an example of how one organisation has used these free resources in a systemic manner at scale, one can look at the ISHA project in Syria where Mercy Corps and Disaster Ready developed a comprehensive training online training curriculum for local NGOs, ultimately training over 119,000 humanitarian professionals and volunteers.
There are few specialised training providers for Network Management and Coordination but some consulting firms do make available focused learning materials. One example is Visible Networks Labs which host a Network Leadership Learning Lab that provides access to previous webinar series (their Network Leadership Academy is currently on hold).
One related field of study with extensive training offerings is Alliance Leadership, a field that extends beyond NGO networks but features significant overlap. The Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals (ASAP) has developed two professional standards (the CA-AM and CSAP) and offer certification courses for a fee.